A Thunder Bay city councillor and a candidate for the Ontario Liberal Party is in the spotlight for old tweets they published.
Brian Hamilton who is running in the Thunder Bay-Superior North Riding had messages he posted in 2014 re-released via screenshots by the provincial conservatives.
“Hamilton’s previous online comments not only glorified an individual associated with abusive behaviour against women but also trivialized the pain experienced by victims of intimate partner violence,” said the Conservatives in a release. “These words not only reveal a blatant insensitivity to the suffering of victims of abuse, they also celebrate conduct that undermines the safety and dignity of women.”
Additional tweet from Brian Hamilton released by Ontario Conservatives – (Supplied via Ontario PC Party)
Hamilton Tweets – (Supplied via Ontario Conservative Party)
Hamilton was quick to comment on the situation and condemn his actions.
“More than a decade ago I made several comments online that were uniformed and insensitive,” said Hamilton in a statement to the 99.9 the Bay and Country 105 newsroom. “My choice of words was repugnant and does not reflect the man I am today.”
“I have long since grown and will remain focused on issues important to my constituents.”
His competition in riding PC candidate Rick Dumas commented on the situation in the release containing the tweets.
“One in three Canadian women will experience at least one incident of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. It is disgusting and misogynistic comments like these that trivialize the real and lasting harm inflicted on women and survivors of abuse,” said Dumas. “These comments also show a disturbing lack of judgment and respect—behaviour voters cannot ignore when choosing leaders who will represent our communities. The comments made by Brian Hamilton cast serious doubts on his suitability to represent Thunder Bay-Superior North.
